<p>Methods and apparatus (10) are disclosed for handling pallets (S) to be inspected and sorted. The method can include tipping a substantially vertically oriented pallet (L) in a forward rotational direction to expose and allow inspection of a trailing major (17) surface of the pallet. A lower portion of the pallet then can be moved to cause the pallet to tip in a rearward rotational direction and land in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus can include a pallet restraining device (16) for blocking the motion of an upper portion of the pallet as it tips in the forward rotational direction and a conveyor (30) for moving the lower portion of the pallet to cause the pallet to tip in the rearward rotational direction.</p>